I Don't Want to be Alone

Last month my Mom, who is very ill, moved to live with us on the lower level of our home. This morning about 4:30, my phone rang in my bedroom, signaling she needed me.  When I showed up at her bedside, she was grateful and said, "I don't want to be alone."  When I had been near her for a few minutes her heart rate settled and she become more calm.

A little boy at our Vacation Bible School wailed- "I don't know where my Mom is."  We located Nancy and when she took him by the hand and put him back with his group, he was right with the world once again.

Young or old, none of us likes feeling isolated. Even a rich and powerful king wrote of the power of connectedness. "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. ... A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NLT)  

Those who are riding the tide of success sometimes make the mistake of discarding friends, even family. Those same people often find themselves alone wondering who they can trust.  Some, finding themselves in pain, lash out at those who try to care and they, too, end up alone, blaming the very ones they pushed away for abandoning them. And, some discover their true wealth in the love of others! They make the proverb a principle for life: "A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." (Proverbs 17:17, NLT)  I love Paul's phrase about disciples who build their lives around shared love of Christ Jesus, "their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love." (Colossians 2:2, ASV) Are the threads of your daily choices made meaningful and beautiful as they are inextricably woven with friends and fellow Christians?

Let's never forget that we have a Friend for time and eternity in Jesus! Yes, He is Lord and God, Savior and Redeemer, but the amazing fact is that He is our Friend. In desperate times, we can simply breathe His Name - "Jesus, Jesus" - and know He is near. But, we only know this privilege if we walk with Him in obedience and faithfulness each day. Intimacy is not created in a moment of crisis. It is like a brick wall, laid up strong, one choice at a time.

"Stay in touch" is a phrase we use often as we go our separate ways. Let's make it a choice often to reach out, to celebrate with one another, to encourage one another, to worship together - so we'll never walk alone.

Here's the word from the Word. "For this is the original message we heard: We should love each other. We must not be like Cain, who joined the Evil One and then killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because he was deep in the practice of evil, while the acts of his brother were righteous. So don't be surprised, friends, when the world hates you. This has been going on a long time. The way we know we've been transferred from death to life is that we love our brothers and sisters. Anyone who doesn't love is as good as dead. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know very well that eternal life and murder don't go together. This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves." (1 John 3:11-16, The Message)

____________________________

What a Friend we have in Jesus,

All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry,

Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,

Oh, what needless pain we bear.

All because we do not carry

Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful,

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

Scriven, Joseph M. / Converse, Charles C.

© Public Domain

Ready to leave your church?

 

I read a blog titled “Why People Leave Your Church” that started like this: People leave churches, and they give all kinds of reasons for it. They will say stuff like “I’m not being fed.” or “We’re trying to help another ministry.” You may be tempted to blame it all on the shallow, self-centered, consumer mindset of American Christians—and, sure, there’s a lot of that. The writer went on to suggest that people do sometimes leave a congregation for all the wrong reasons – things like personality conflicts or unrealistic expectations about their own needs. Believe or not people get miffed about things like: The youth ministry doesn’t give my kids personal attention weekly. They fail to provide free nursery care during the weekly women’s Bible study. They wouldn’t help me pay my rent for the 4^th month in a row.

Others leave churches for reasons more reasonable.  They encounter a pastor who preys on people instead of praying for them. Or, they sense their church is drifting from the mooring of Scripture into humanism. Or, their church may begin to major on minors, trading the Gospel for politics, or substituting psychology for discipleship. Or, the writer I quoted earlier said they might even be spooked by too much change for which too little explanation is provided.

We must adopt a much higher view of ‘the fellowship’ to sustain the church. It is no accident that the Scripture uses the language of family to describe our churches.  We are to be ‘brothers and sisters.’  We have the same Father, the same Savior. Before we walk out the door, a consumer seeking a place that better suits our desires, we should spend great energies in prayer that focuses equally on allowing the Spirit to change our heart and shape our church in His will.  Severing relationship with our church family ought to feel as painful as a divorce!

To regard ‘church’ as an organization similar to other social groups is to miss the truth by a country mile.  We don’t ‘join’ the Church. We are called out of the world and into Christ. That is why we read this command. "I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences. You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. But that doesn’t mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift." (Ephesians 4:1-7, The Message)

The church is not a mind-control cult, nor it is the property of the pastor, nor is it a corporation for public benefit. It is a living organism, the expression of Christ in this present world through which He does His work and makes Himself known. When it is healthy, it is a thing of beauty, powerful, and capable of changing cultures for good in remarkable ways. The end of slavery finally came about as result of the work of Christians who woke up to this terrible sin. Justice for the weak and dignity for the poor come where Christians walk humbly with their God! 

Are you ready to leave your church? I would urge you to think it over. Ask the Lord what His will for you might be. He may well use your prayers, your gentle, loving attitude to spark a spiritual renewal right where you are, instead of joining the one already in progress at some other local fellowship.

The Bible says that “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.”  (Eph 5:25-27)  Do you love the Church, too? Are you helping to make her beautiful?

My fate is written in the stars

People are curious about tomorrow!  They wonder:  Will I enjoy good health? Will I fall in love?  Will I make more money?  And many turn to those who claim to be able to peer over the edge of today for answers.  Tarot card readers will tell you what’s ‘out there’ for you.  The horoscope, based on the alignment of stars and planets, will help you to choose a path of success, they say. A few months ago an astronomer kicked up a real storm by suggesting that astrological signs were in need of an update since the wobble of the earth’s axis has changed our view of the stars.  Going way past the cards and star charts, there are those who say that they can create a bridge to the world of spirits.

I sure that some of you are already derisively snorting, "Come on, Jerry, this is the 21st century. It's time to get over the idea that witches and pagans have real power. It's all just fun." Others are wondering, “Why is Jerry writing about this?  It’s no big deal.”  Ah, but is an important issue. The Scriptures are clear that dabbling in occult practices from astrology, to consulting mediums, to outright witchcraft is a forbidden practice for those who are followers of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, the Lord told His people, "I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people." (Leviticus 20:6, NIV) In the New Testament, Paul warned that "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." (1 Timothy 4:1, NIV)

There is nothing to be gained from dabbling in alternative spirituality!  Disciples of Christ are given the Holy Spirit who promises to guide us, to be with us, to empower us, and to keep us secure in the love of God. Occult practices may appear to offer many of the same benefits, but those who dabble in them find themselves enslaved. It's not all just fantasy, fun, and games. The Bible treats the issue of evil as real, presents Satan and his dark forces as real and powerful, and directs us to 'walk in the Light.' That being true, we also know this: we need not fear Satan or powers of darkness. Those who live 'in Christ' and who walk intimately with the Spirit have 'overcome the world' and all the powers of darkness.

Don't dabble! Instead, walk with God, exclusively devoted to Him. Let the Spirit own your love. Trust Him with the future.  With prayer, worship, and attention to His Presence, you will develop spiritual sensitivity so that when Evil is present, you will know it for what it is, and turn to the safe embrace of Jesus Christ who loves you completely.

Here's a word from the Word. Let Him guide you today.

"So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help." (Isaiah 30:18, NLT)

"Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left." (Isaiah 30:21, NLT)

Is there a time to quit?

When does perseverance, a must-have quality of a mature disciple of Christ, turn into plain old mule-headed stubbornness?  It’s not a theoretical question.  It’s not uncommon to see people hang onto ‘ministries’ that lost focus, purpose, and/or mission years prior.  Yet, they just keep on going and going like the Energizer Bunny.  In those situations tradition, pride, or a mistaken sense of ‘faithfulness’ trumps the will of God. Some stay in positions for which they are no longer suited or where they are no longer effective.  Why? They feel that ‘God called me here.’  Flip the coin and you’ll see many more who quit too soon, who run out when the going gets tough.  I am a great admirer of those who stick with their commitments, who stay long enough to finish what they started, to see the fruit from the seeds they planted. Thinking about all this prompts a question– “When is the time to quit?”

There is a principle that all of us must recognize, especially when it comes to our ministry calling. It does not belong to us. In 2 Corinthians 4:1, Paul acknowledges the source of all true ministry: “having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.”  We do not choose our own calling, nor do we get to select our spiritual gifts. Our position or place in God’s service is not earned or deserved.  God mercifully choose to include us in His work.  So, we hold it loosely, even while treasuring it dearly! Whatever I do in the Lord’s work is not ‘my ministry.’  It is the ministry, God’s ministry; and I am privileged to participate.

The Word says that we are so grateful for the calling that we will never quit just because we get discouraged. The cost of service is nothing compared to privilege and since it is God Who calls us, it is only God Who releases us.

In speaking of his ministry, Paul uses a couple of words that are critically important to all faithful ministers. (Don’t read that as ‘preacher.’  All disciples are ministers.)

·         In 2 Corinthians 2:17, we learn that we are ‘sent’ on our mission.  We are not Christian entrepreneurs who set ourselves up in the work of God, selling salvation. We are appointed and anointed by the Spirit.  If we are sent, then we don’t get to choose when we ‘go home,’ do we? If He chooses to recall us, then we must relinquish the baton, but until then, we are to stay on post.  

·         In 2 Corinthians 3:16 we are reminded that we are ‘competent.’  "He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:6, NIV)  I am not sure where I first heard this statement:  “Where God guides, He provides.”  I know it sounds a little simplistic, but it is a life principle for me.  When I think, even for a few moments, about my own qualifications to preach the Word, counsel God’s people, or lead a church, there are two emotions that I experience in about equal proportions: fear and hilarity! I remarked to someone the other day: “Who am I to stand and speak for God?” Truthfully, I am nobody, but the Spirit makes me a competent minister of the Gospel.  We do not do what we do for God alone or by own strength.  If we attempt the supernatural using only natural abilities, then failure is inevitable. However, if we are sent by God and made competent by the Spirit, we cannot fall and we will not falter.

If you’re thinking about quitting, go ask your Master.  If you’re just tired or discouraged, He can renew your strength. If He’s re-commissioning you to a new calling, He will make it plain.  If you have decided that it’s your thing and you are taking ownership, think again.

Here’s a word from the Word.  Meditate on it today and the Lord will make His plan and purpose clear.

"But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I’m not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven’t I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? Even then, my work didn’t amount to all that much. It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it." (1 Corinthians 15:10, The Message)   "That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!" (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, NLT)

“Meeting Peak Demand”

 

I won’t bore you with a list of my responsibilities, but I will tell you that it’s long! A teenager looked at me after the youth meeting at church last night and said, “Pastor Jerry, are you all right?” I smiled and said that I was. Truthfully, I was so tired, I could have laid down and went to sleep on the sidewalk, then and there. It’s natural to think that all I have to do is just keep putting one foot in front of the other, pushing the load along. But, that’s not true.  Stephen Covey, in a good book on life principles, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, reminds us that working smart is as important as working hard. He calls it taking time to ‘sharpen the saw.’  He tells this story.

Suppose you were to come upon someone in the woods working feverishly to saw down a tree.

"What are you doing?" you ask.

"Can't you see?" comes the impatient reply. "I'm sawing down this tree."

"You look exhausted!" you exclaim. "How long have you been at it?"

"Over five hours," he returns, "and I'm beat! This is hard work."

"Well, why don't you take a break for a few minutes and sharpen the saw?" you inquire. "I'm sure

it would go a lot faster."

"I don't have time to sharpen the saw," the man says emphatically. "I'm too busy sawing!"

We can just keep sawing away and waste a lot of energy in inefficiency, or we can take time to gather resources, prepare for challenges, and evaluate. Jesus Christ teaches us about renewal.  Here’s His invitation:  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV)

First, He says, "Come to me."
We're very foolish if we let life responsibilities keep us from prayer, worship, and reflection. Remember that old saying about 'the tyranny of the urgent causing us to ignore the important?' I am thankful I can step away from it all and worship Him. He restores my soul.

Second, He tells us to "Take my yoke upon you." God is not anti-work! Even in the paradise of Eden there was work to do.  Being a disciples does not give us a pass from toil or tears. Jesus says that there is a yoke, an object of for labor, for us all.  But, He says, If a yoke was ill-fitting, it chafed and made sores on the bearer of the burden. If it fit right, it lightened the load and made it possible to accomplish much more. Jesus calls us to service. That service will often demand much from us, but if we're putting on the yoke He's prepared for us, He will be there to bear the weight with us.

Third, He says, "Learn from me!" Jesus knew the rhythms of work/rest; giving out/ taking in! He gave His all to the people He loved, but made sure to step away to be with His Father. Throughout the Gospels we find Him withdrawing from the ministry to pray and be alone with God. It's such a simple lesson, but so easily ignored, isn't it?  When we try to keep on going, pushing ourselves when we need to find a quiet place with Him to breathe in the Breath of the Spirit, we rob ourselves of effectiveness and joy.

Are responsibilities piling up and resources growing scarce?

Are people in your life asking more from you than you think you can produce?

Has the Evil One sent a demon to torment you?

Here’s the word from the Word, repeated from above, but from a contemporary translation. Read it. Heed it!

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?
Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.
I’ll show you how to take a real rest.
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you." Matthew 11:28-29 (The Message)

"Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That’s my gift to the conquerors!" Revelation 3:20-21 (The Message)

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You are my hiding place.

You always fill my heart
with songs of deliverance.

Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.

I will trust in You.

Let the weak say,
"I am strong in the strength of the Lord."

You are my hiding place.
You always fill my heart
with songs of deliverance.

Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.

I will trust in You.

Michael Ledner

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